Louise Shepherd

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Louise C. Shepherd, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was born on September 1, 1933, in Barry County, Missouri, to Edward and Lorine Conley, the eldest of five children: Charles, Velma, Robert, and Ellen.

Louise was previously married to Paul M. Shepherd, and together they had four children: Stephen, Marvin, Sarah, and James.

She was a lifelong advocate for education and service. Louise earned her master’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University in May 1983. She went on to serve as Director of Adult Basic Education in Southwest Missouri from 1984 to 1994 while residing in Granby, Missouri. Later, she served as Director of Marlboro Manor, a senior living facility, from 1996 until her retirement in 2012.

In her later years, Louise lived with her son Marvin in Rogers, Arkansas, before moving to Osage Manor in 2017. She spent her final years at The Bradford House in Bentonville, where she passed away.

Louise is survived by her sisters, Velma and Ellen; her children, Stephen, Sarah, and James; and a large and loving extended family.

Her son Stephen is married to Debbie and has a son, Stephen Nicholas, and a stepdaughter, Heather and her husband Jason. Their children are Jacob Brage and Ava Brage.

Her late son Marvin was married to Andrea. They had two children, Michelle and Tyler. Michelle is married to Colin Paul, and their children are Anne Louise Paul, Emily Paul, and Lucy Paul. Marvin also had a daughter, Jennifer Gilbert, whose children are Alexander Perrin and Nathanial Perrin.

Her daughter Sarah is married to Mark Powell and has four daughters: Clare, Hanna, Grace, and Elizabeth. Hanna is married to Jake Liston, and they have a daughter, Olive. Grace is married to Joe Wilson.

Her son James (Jim) Shepherd is married to Brenda. He has a daughter, Allison, who is married to Chris Baiardi. They have three children: Aidan, Annamaria, and Grayson, as well as stepchildren Gavin, Grant, and Charlie Bowmen, and step-great-grandchildren Waylon, Nash, and Brooke.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles and Robert; and her son, Marvin.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri, followed by a graveside service at St. John’s Stones Prairie Cemetery in Purdy, Missouri. Pastor Christopher Gorshe will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stones Prairie. Family and friends are invited to gather for food and fellowship in the parish hall following the services.

Louise will be remembered for her dedication to education, her strength, and her deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she cherished.




Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.